«I looked back 150 meters from the end – says Magnus Cort – and I saw it comingI sprinted with everything I had and luckily I managed to keep up with him."
Magnus Cort has the haunted look as he recounts the last meters of the stage, short and hellish, which in 158 kilometers took the group to the Alto de la Montaña Cullera. He was in the breakaway and says Andrea Bagioli, third at the finish, who must have been really strong up frontBecause they certainly weren't just standing there watching. The rider who was chasing him was Roglic And it's hard to know whether he left it alone or simply didn't have the legs to catch it. And after all, who cares?
“This victory is special to me,” says the winner, “because it came in a very different way. The stages I win are always in sprints and I'm very happy to show that I can do it on other terrains too and finish a breakaway like this today."
Jumbo in the lead
The wind played a major role in the short stage through the Valencia region. Team Jumbo-Visma He did a great job to keep Roglic at the front of the group, so that on the final climb the Slovenian was able to control and, although he was unable to catch Cort, has made a good step forward compared to its rivals in the standings.
«I wasn't too worried about the stage victory today – said Roglic – Magnus was very strong and deserved the victoryFor me and the team, it was mainly about getting to the finish line safely. I felt good, so I did my sprint, very happy to have gained some time».
Tomorrow's schedule includes the first real mountain stage, and Roglic is looking ahead with confidence. "Tomorrow," he says, " I expect another great battleIt's a tough stage and difficult to control, but I have faith in myself and the team. We'll have to stay clear-headed and focused."
Bagioli resurrected
But the news of the day is Andra Bagioli's third placeThe Valtellinese, who we met in Livigno in July, he felt good from the start, having had my eye on the stage for a few days.
"I was banking on it a bit," he says. "I knew I could do well on a finish like that. Cort was incredibly strong all day, and I think Roglic simply couldn't catch him. The team worked hard for me. The climb was tough, it gave no respite, but… I felt good and gave it my all, even though we had arrived there after 70 kilometers at full throttleOf course, winning would have been better, but morale is sky-high.
"I have great legs," he smiles, "and I came here from the start to aim for the stages. There's one with a steep finish next week, but If I recover well, I'll join the breakaway tomorrowI think it will definitely come, and now I have the confirmation I was looking for. At the Tour de l'Ain, in the last stage, I felt good, but the level was lower and there could still be some doubts. Now I have no more. The time trial had already given me excellent answers, but this podium is worth more. Now another Vuelta begins.»
